Between Gusto and ADP, which payroll provider is more cost effective for a five person startup in Austin
Fan-out diagram
Seed → topic clusters → sub-queries, per model.
Badge and edge weight = share of passes that produced the query. Hover a query for its intent and routing format.
Query classes
Google's semantic query class for every sub-query: what kind of answer each search is after, simulated vs real.
Classes come from the query-classifier (a local Laya model). 1 of 1 calls are low-confidence (under 50%) — hover a query in the table to see its confidence. 34 queries are still being classified.
What the models actually searched
Each model answered the query with its own web search. These are the searches it ran, matched to the closest simulated query.
- Gusto Pricing, Plans & Fees (2026) · gusto.com
- Gusto vs ADP RUN Pricing 2026: Published Price vs Quote for 5 People · truetoolcost.com
- Gusto vs ADP: Pricing, RUN Packages and MCP (2026) · workinsiders.com
- Official ADP small business payroll · adp.com
- Gusto vs. ADP Comparison · business.com
- ADP Payroll Review 2026- businessnewsdaily.com · businessnewsdaily.com
Semantic map
Every query placed by meaning (EmbeddingGemma 2, 256-d). Shaded regions are topics, nearby points are near-paraphrases, and a circle's size is how often the query came back.
Queries
| Query / type | Search | Intent | Query class | Routing format | Cluster | Freq ↓ | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
gusto vs adp pricing 5 employees REFORMULATION | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | Find direct cost comparisons for both Gusto and ADP when managing a small team of five people. | — | comparison_table | gusto and adp plan comparison | 2x of 3 | |
best payroll software for 5 person startup IMPLICIT | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | Discover top-rated payroll tools recommended specifically for micro-startups regardless of brand. | — | buyers_guide | payroll software pricing and fees | 2x of 3 | |
Gusto vs ADP pricing comparison for small business REFORMULATION | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants a direct cost comparison between Gusto and ADP tailored for small businesses. | — | comparison_table | gusto and adp plan comparison | 1x of 3 | |
is adp run more expensive than gusto COMPARATIVE | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | Compare the specific ADP product tier designed for small businesses (RUN ADP) against Gusto on price. | — | comparison_table | gusto and adp plan comparison | 1x of 3 | |
hidden fees in ADP RUN payroll vs Gusto base plan RELATED | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants to uncover any additional or hidden costs beyond the base subscription for both providers. | — | web_article | payroll software pricing and fees | 1x of 3 | |
gusto base price and per employee fee 2024 ENTITY EXPANSION | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | Obtain the exact current pricing structure for Gusto subscription tiers. | — | pricing_page | payroll software pricing and fees | 1x of 3 | |
gusto hidden fees payroll startup RELATED | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | Uncover extra costs associated with Gusto that might not be obvious from the base subscription price. | — | web_article | payroll software pricing and fees | 1x of 3 | |
payroll software pricing calculator for 5 employees IMPLICIT | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants to calculate the exact monthly cost for a team of five people. | — | calculator/tool | payroll software pricing and fees | 1x of 3 | |
adp run payroll pricing for small business ENTITY EXPANSION | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | Find the specific pricing for ADP's RUN platform targeted at small businesses. | — | pricing_page | payroll software pricing and fees | 1x of 3 | |
adp payroll hidden fees extra charges RELATED | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | Identify any setup, W-2, or year-end processing fees charged by ADP. | — | forum/qna | payroll software pricing and fees | 1x of 3 | |
is ADP RUN too expensive for a tiny startup COMPARATIVE | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants to evaluate whether ADP's pricing model makes sense for very early-stage companies. | — | forum/qna | gusto and adp plan comparison | 1x of 3 | |
hidden fees adp payroll vs gusto COMPARATIVE | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | Understand additional costs like setup fees, W-2 delivery, or year-end processing charges for both providers. | — | review_roundup | payroll software pricing and fees | 1x of 3 | |
payroll provider with best texas tax compliance ENTITY EXPANSION | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | Understand how well Gusto and ADP handle state-level payroll tax filings and reporting in Texas. | — | web_article | payroll software pricing and fees | 1x of 3 | |
cheapest payroll service for 5 person startup RELATED | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | Discover budget-friendly payroll options specifically designed for early-stage micro-companies. | — | buyers_guide | payroll software pricing and fees | 1x of 3 | |
Gusto pricing tiers features 2026 REFORMULATION | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants up-to-date pricing and feature breakdowns for Gusto's specific plans. | — | pricing_page | gusto and adp plan comparison | 1x of 3 | |
texas payroll tax filing requirements startup IMPLICIT | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | Check if Gusto or ADP automate Texas-specific state unemployment and withholding taxes seamlessly. | — | web_article | payroll software pricing and fees | 1x of 3 | |
gusto simple vs plus plan features cost ENTITY EXPANSION | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | Determine which Gusto pricing tier is necessary for a small startup's basic needs. | — | product_spec_sheet | gusto and adp plan comparison | 1x of 3 | |
ADP RUN small business payroll review 5 employees PERSONALIZED | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants to read reviews from small team leads using ADP RUN. | — | review_roundup | payroll software pricing and fees | 1x of 3 | |
gusto vs adp customer support fees COMPARATIVE | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | Determine if either provider charges extra for customer service, phone support, or dedicated reps. | — | faq_page | gusto and adp plan comparison | 1x of 3 | |
adp run essential vs comprehensive pricing ENTITY EXPANSION | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | Compare ADP's entry-level plan costs against mid-tier options for small businesses. | — | pricing_page | gusto and adp plan comparison | 1x of 3 | |
state tax filing fees Gusto vs ADP RELATED | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants to know if multi-state or state-specific tax filings incur extra charges for either provider. | — | faq_page | gusto and adp plan comparison | 1x of 3 | |
startup payroll software comparison reddit RELATED | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | Read real-world experiences from startup founders regarding payroll tool costs. | — | forum/qna | payroll software pricing and fees | 1x of 3 | |
gusto reviews small business payroll cost PERSONALIZED | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | Review user feedback regarding whether Gusto offers good value for small company budgets. | — | review_roundup | payroll software pricing and fees | 1x of 3 | |
Gusto vs OnPay vs ADP cheapest payroll for startups ENTITY EXPANSION | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants a broader budget-focused comparison involving other major low-cost payroll providers. | — | comparison_table | payroll software pricing and fees | 1x of 3 | |
payroll provider with free worker comp integration IMPLICIT | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | Find out which platform offers pay-as-you-go workers compensation without heavy broker fees. | — | product_spec_sheet | payroll software pricing and fees | 1x of 3 | |
adp run payroll reviews pricing value PERSONALIZED | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | Assess customer feedback on whether ADP RUN justifies its cost for small business owners. | — | review_roundup | payroll software pricing and fees | 1x of 3 | |
do startups need full service payroll or simple payroll software IMPLICIT | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants to understand what features a five-person startup actually needs to avoid overpaying. | — | buyers_guide | payroll software pricing and fees | 1x of 3 | |
gusto core vs complete plan features price ENTITY EXPANSION | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | Compare Gusto's entry-level plan against their mid-tier plan to see what a startup actually needs. | — | comparison_table | gusto and adp plan comparison | 1x of 3 | |
how to switch payroll providers small business IMPLICIT | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | Learn the migration process and potential costs involved when setting up a new payroll system. | — | how_to_steps | payroll software pricing and fees | 1x of 3 | |
ADP base plan vs Gusto core plan feature comparison COMPARATIVE | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants a direct feature-by-feature comparison of entry-level tiers for both platforms. | — | product_spec_sheet | gusto and adp plan comparison | 1x of 3 | |
adp payroll contract requirements cancellation fee RELATED | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | Check if ADP locks small businesses into long-term contracts or charges penalties for leaving. | — | faq_page | payroll software pricing and fees | 1x of 3 | |
is gusto more expensive than adp for small teams PERSONALIZED | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | Get a direct verdict on the overall value proposition between the two services for a micro-team. | — | review_roundup | gusto and adp plan comparison | 1x of 3 | |
gusto vs adp total cost calculator startup COMPARATIVE | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | Find tools or formulas to calculate exact monthly expenses for Gusto versus ADP for five employees. | — | calculator/tool | gusto and adp plan comparison | 1x of 3 | |
payroll provider setup fees and contract terms Gusto ADP RELATED | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants to know about upfront setup costs and contract lock-ins for Gusto and ADP. | — | web_article | payroll software pricing and fees | 1x of 3 |
Passes
Does another pass still surface new queries? A flattening curve means the fan-out has stabilised.
| Model | Pass | Target | Generated | Seconds | Tokens (in / out) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| gemini-3.5-flash-lite | 1 | 12 | 12 | — | 915 / 1,452 | |
| gemini-3.5-flash-lite | 2 | 12 | 12 | — | 915 / 1,416 | |
| gemini-3.5-flash-lite | 3 | 12 | 12 | — | 915 / 1,476 |